Moomba Kitchen & Bar(Bar, Restaurant)

Moomba Kitchen & Bar Review

Last week I had two very disparate experiences. The first was at Moomba (more on that in a moment); the second was at a bar in Highgate that has a reputation for being cool. I'm not the sort of person who can easily appreciate cool, but I’d have to agree, it did seem cool. Actually, I'd say it was more cold, walk-in meat freezer cold. And it stank; a florid olfactory potion of stale wee and weed. I could have overlooked all this if it wasn't for the all-pervasive stench that was the most off-putting of all: the whiff of the manager's attitude.

I was there as part of a birthday party. The celebration had kicked off with our group being screeched at and herded from corner to corner by the manager, punishing us, it seemed, for the crime of taking up too much room, and for quietly and respectfully, yet somehow offensively, having too good a time. We were putting too much money in the till, Godammit!

That evening did, however, help me to realise just how lovely Moomba was. The bar described above was the complete opposite of Moomba. It was the anti-Moomba.

You see, I'd been to Moomba for dinner earlier in the same week, but at the time I didn't fully appreciate how welcome my guest and I had been made to feel. Or how comfortable we were. Or how good the service, food and drink were. Or how generally pleasant our evening had turned out to be.

The personable and friendly owner had greeted us with a smile. She showed us the cocktail menu with such pride it was like she'd presented us with her firstborn child.

I took her recommendation and, having tasted the lychee Martini, I understood why. It was a decadent and delicious way to kick-off the meal. Nothing unfriendly here.

Colourful mosaics, comfy seats in bright stripes and a montage of black and white pictures of beaming regulars let us know that, here, fun is allowed. More than allowed, actively encouraged.

It was the same when I looked around me. We’d been warned that Wednesday wasn’t the busiest night, but tables around us filled up one by one with smiley couples and groups of mates. The effects of NOT being scowled at by the manager were all too clear. Everyone was having a good time, including the waiting staff, who seemed to be mingling, joining in with conversations as they served.

They were also keen to point out their personal favourite dishes. I'd already heard that the Beef Wellington was something rather special, so we checked to see if the rest of the menu was up to scratch. It was. It was good. It was very good. Their Heidi Pie is one of the best non-meat dishes I've tasted in any London restaurant, thick with goat's cheese and perfect puff pastry. I hated myself for not being able to finish it all.

The same look of self-loathing was evident in my companion's eyes as she struggled through her generous portion of salmon & prawn fishcakes.

This was after a plate of mezze that put the 'mmm' into massive. Still, I'm glad we found room for the creamy tower of banoffee pie.

So yes, the food at Moomba is of high quality, and the cocktails are impeccable, but the reason I reckon you should go there is for the Cheers effect. Moomba might not know your name just yet, but they certainly want to. Go, see for yourself.

They already know my name now, so excuse me if I'm taking my time at the bar, sipping lychee green heaven from a Martini glass and grinning.
...read more

Customer Reviews for Moomba Kitchen & Bar

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Moomba Kitchen & Bar.

“Lovely, lovely, lovely restaurant! 5 stars and would give more if i could. The best service and delicious food.”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Becky, London(7 years 8 months 17 days ago)

“Can't recommend this restaurant enough. The food is excellent and the warm welcome and service made the experience even more memorable. We'll be back!”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Daisy, London(7 years 9 months 22 days ago)

“Great tip from Fluid. Was looking for somewhere reasonably priced but fabulous in Putney for me and my girlfriends on a Friday night. Used the booking function for the first time and it couldn't be more straight forward with the nice touch of being texted the booking reference. Food was top notch and a great night was had by all. Will definitely visit again.”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Gemma, London(7 years 10 months 3 days ago)

“A delightful restaurant South of the river that i love going to with my husband. The food is delicious.”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Steff, London(8 years 2 months 16 days ago)

“One of those places that looks nice than it is - and it looks really nice! The atmosphere is so casual you don't expect that high a standard of food or service. Well done Moomba. See you soon!”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Al, Hammersmith(8 years 6 months ago)

“Recently moved to the area and was highly recommended by some foodie friends to go to Moomba in Putney. There were four of us and we had a really lovely time. The service was attentive and the food was delicious. We all had starters (prawn cocktail, chickpea cakes, mezze plate, pear & stilton salad). Mains (fillet steak, tropical sole, pork chops, paneer curry). Dessert (eton mess, choc cake). The wine was recommended to us by the owner who made us feel so welcome. Beautiful/funky restaurant. Very good value for money. Will definately be going to Moomba on a regular basis. I hear they do a great eggs benedict!”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Carey Murphy, London(8 years 6 months 19 days ago)

“I searched for ages to book my girlfriend into a nice place for her Birthday lunch and came across Moomba Bar & Kitchen... from the moment Ritu called me back (within 10 minutes of emailing) I knew I had found a great place.
Prior to our arrival she was in constant contact to see if she could help in anyway.... getting balloons, ordering a cake and having it made etc.
On Arrival we were seated very nicely toward the back, although it would have been marginally small for what we booked (15 people) we only had 10 which was perfect. Ritu had gone out of her way to decorate our table superbly and have some champagne on ice.
Service was quick and Ritu was there to make sure everything was going okay.
Food arrived in very good time and everyone loved the dishes (mainly a fantastic Beef Roast). Sunday Lunch menu is quite varied seemingly having an option for everyone
Ritu played the perfect host making us all feel welcome and relaxed. We will certainly be visiting Moomba again in the near future.”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Danny Baggs, Putney(11 years 23 days ago)

“Rather like the previous reviewer I was simply not prepared for the high quality of food (and service). We had a fantastic dinner on Friday night and couldn't fault any of the 3 courses - faultless foie gras and mushroom pancakes starters, a succulent beef wellington (cooked to a tee) and delicious chicken dish (think it was with marscapone) and topped off with some great home cooked (I was assured) deserts (lemon tart, chocolate mouse). The chef even sent us up some rare beef amuse bouche to keep us entertained. The service was very friendly and contributed to a fun atmosphere. Anyone in Putney or the surrounding areas who is serious about their food should give Moomba a go - I will certainly be returning.”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Jimbo, Putney(12 years 1 months 9 days ago)

“Went there last night and I was pleasantly surprised. Was expecting just your normal nice bar / restaurant, but Moomba was definitely a cut above. The service was very friendly, and the duck breast sublime!! Will definitely be going back!”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Brenda, Wimbledon(12 years 2 months 5 days ago)

“As a recent newcomer to Putney I have done a tour of the local bars and restaurants in the last few weeks and I have to say that Moomba is my favourite. The place is exceptionally friendly and it is starting to become a home from home for me! The look of the place is extremely attractive and everything from the deocr to the menu looks well thought-out. The food itself is a great mix of gastro brassierie dishes and some old favourites (great fish&chips, burgers etc). It's also a pleasant place for a quick after work drink. Great Stuff!”
Atmosphere:
Value:
Quality: Edward, Putney(12 years 5 months 10 days ago)

Leave Your Review of Moomba Kitchen & Bar

Your name:

Email address:

Home Town:

Atmosphere:

Value for Money rating:

Quality rating:

Your review:

Characters remaining: 2600

Subscribe to the Fluid e-newsletter:

Get the hottest special offers, bar info and restaurant news first. You can unsubscribe at any time. We take your privacy very seriously and will never share your details with third parties witout your consent.

Complete

Your review has been submitted. Once you have verified your e-mail address, it will be displayed on the site.

Email Moomba Kitchen & Bar

Name

*

Email

*

Phone

3 + 2

Please prove you're not a machine by adding this simple sum.

Subject

Message

I agree to the Terms & Conditions
If this is your first message through the Fluid London, before your enquiry is sent to the venue, you will
recieve a message asking you to confirm your email address. This is to prevent fraudulent enquiries and bookings.

Mail sent!

Your review has been submitted. Once you have verified your e-mail address, it will be displayed on the site.

Please note that Fluid London has no affiliation with any venues listed on our websites

Send a link of Moomba Kitchen & Bar to a friend

Your Name

*

Your Email

*

Send to email

Enter the number shown above:

Message

I agree to the Terms & Conditions
If this is your first message through the Fluid London, before your enquiry is sent to the venue, you will
recieve a message asking you to confirm your email address. This is to prevent fraudulent enquiries and bookings.

Venue Managers: update this page

Battersea RestaurantsYou may be forgiven for thinking of Battersea in SW London as that bit between Clapham and Vauxhall, but since the American Embassy moved in, Battersea Power Station became an attractive living option,...

Loved

"My Gulascheintopf war perfekt and so was the Weissbier. I was in Kingston Steins. I do have a few suggestions for decor and table. 1. you need a little jar of toothpicks on the table to get meat out from..."
Which venue is this?

Hated

"I visited browns alone after work and got convinced to spend an hour in the “VIP” room with Jennifer - which is just a corner of the private dance area - no privacy at all. I essentially paid £500 for..."
Which venue is this?